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The engine air filter is a small component with a vital job. This filter removes dirt and other debris, like pollen and allergens. As your Kia dealer, we want you to know some signs you need to visit us for a Kia air filter replacement. Let’s explore air filter replacement signs! Dirty Filter The air filter can eventually become clogged. When this happens, airflow into the engine is restricted, and your engine can turn fuel-rich. A fuel-rich engine contains more fuel than air in the fuel-air mixture used in combustion. If this happens, it can affect engine performance. If you suspect the filter is dirty, you can quickly check it to see if the air filter looks clogged. If the filter looks like it has a lot of debris on it or you notice the filter is darker, contact us, and our technicians will speedily install a new one while you wait. more Regular Misfiring There are several possible causes for misfiring, but when the air filter gets too clogged and impacts the fuel-air mixture, this can result in engine misfiring. The combustion process can also be impacted. What happens when the vehicle experiences improper combustion? It can cause the engine to misfire. If your vehicle is regularly misfiring, be sure to schedule a service appointment for your car as soon as you can. Black Exhaust Smoke Remember the fuel that didn't burn due to a lack of air? When there are issues happening with the fuel-air blend for the vehicle, this can result in black exhaust smoke. If you notice black exhaust smoke coming from your vehicle, you can book a service with us, and we can replace the air filter in your car, and the exhaust smoke should return to normal. Does Your Vehicle Need a Kia Cabin Air Filter Replacement in Lanham, MD? From the engine misfiring to the cabin air filter being dirty and clogged, as well as your car showing external signs like black exhaust smoke, these are all signs that you may need to schedule a service visit to get the air filter replaced. Is your car showing signs of needing a new cabin air filter? Contact our service department today at DARCARS Kia of Lanham. We can do a comprehensive service of your vehicle in addition to servicing the cabin air filter and get your Kia repaired with genuine Kia parts to help keep your Kia running great for miles to come.

Even if you carefully follow the recommended service schedule, there may come a time when you need to order parts to replace worn-out vehicle components, repair parts, or you want to customize your Kia with adding parts or accessories. Ideally, you should purchase Kia OEM parts for your vehicle repair at your Kia dealership. See why OEM parts can be better for your vehicle's longevity today. Kia Genuine Parts vs. Aftermarket OEM parts are parts crafted by the original equipment manufacturer that supplied the parts installed by the factory when your vehicle was built. Also called genuine parts, the major advantage of OEM parts is quality. Genuine car parts use premium materials that are durable, which means your vehicle repair can last longer. You can also count on these parts to fit your precise model and trim for a longer-lasting repair. more Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are designed with a generalized approach. While these parts may offer affordability, they aren’t made specifically for your vehicle and may not be an exact match. It's also important to note that when going with non-OEM parts, they might not last as long as investing in high-quality genuine parts. This could result in you paying more in the long run, if you have to continually replace parts in your vehicle. Can You Order Kia OEM Parts at Your Kia Dealership? The easiest way to order genuine Kia parts for your next vehicle repair is to visit your local dealership's website and submit an order request online. The online form will need information about the model, year, and trim of your vehicle, along with the specific part you need for your repair. If you aren't sure which parts you need, you can visit the service department and have a Kia mechanic place an order for genuine parts as well. Ordering parts through your dealership is a reliable way to ensure you are purchasing genuine Kia parts. Oftentimes, you can also find parts and service deals at your dealership that can help you save. You can speak with your dealership's service department about specials for genuine Kia parts. Submit a Parts Order in Lanham, MD for Your Kia OEM parts are a great investment if you want to maintain the performance and longevity of your Kia. Get in touch with DARCARS Kia of Lanham to start your genuine parts order today.

If you need new brake rotors, your Kia dealer is the place to go for genuine parts, and service that comes with peace of mind. Let’s explore what brake rotors are, why you would need rotor replacement, and how you can tell if it’s time to get them replaced. What Are Brake Rotors? Brake rotors are the disks that you see connected to each of your wheels. Whenever you press the brake pedal, the rotors are a large part of what makes the vehicle come to a stop. When you press the brake pedal, a lot of friction is created, and this friction slows the rotation of the wheel and stops your car from moving. more Why Would I Need New Rotors? By using the brakes in your car, there is friction that happens repeatedly, and after a while the friction can cause wear and tear to the brake and rotors. How Can I Tell I Need a Rotor Replacement? There are different signs to look for that tell that the rotors need replacing. For instance, when you are pressing down on the brake pedal, do you have to press all of the way down and when you do you hear a squealing noise? This sound can alert you that you need to change your brake pads, and if you do so quickly, you can help protect the rotor from any unnecessary wear. If you allow the brake pads to wear down too far without getting them changed, you may start to hear a grinding noise whenever you brake. That's not good: if you hear this, come to your dealership immediately to have your rotors looked at so you don't compromise your braking ability when you most need it. Other signs you may need the rotors changed include feeling a pulsing sensation whenever you press on the brakes, or simply noticing a change in your brake performance generally. Your vehicle's stopping time may also get longer. Have Questions About Brake Services for Your Kia in Lanham, MD? To have your brakes safely serviced by Kia professionals, make an appointment with us at DARCARS Kia of Lanham today.

Have you heard the terms diagnostic testing, an engine diagnostic, or a car diagnostic test? This service can be highly beneficial to your vehicle. It helps the technicians greatly in diagnosing problems with your vehicle, and the technicians can help ensure that your car is safe and performs efficiently. Kia Maintenance & Diagnostic Tests Diagnostic tests are done many times when your vehicle's check engine light switches on. This is because these types of tests can help the technicians at the dealership figure out what caused the check engine light to illuminate. Various systems in your vehicle are all connected like they're part of one computer, and when the check engine light comes on, it generates a code. Once the code is generated, diagnostic tests can then access this code and show it to the technicians. Experienced Kia technicians can understand what the code means. The results of the test often point the technicians toward one specific system in your vehicle that's having issues, so now they know which area of your car to begin investigating manually. more How Often Should You Get a Diagnostic Test from the Kia Dealer? As a part of your annual vehicle maintenance, you may want to consider getting a diagnostic test done. If you want to be extra vigilant in maintaining your car's health, then it's wise to begin implementing them into your regular maintenance routine. Asking the dealer to run this test during your annual service is a good idea so that they can inspect your vehicle's health thoroughly. What Are the Benefits of Getting Diagnostic Tests Done? You Can Help Prevent Unexpected Breakdowns Getting diagnostic tests done can even help you discover when there are other issues with your car. It can also show problems with various systems in the vehicle. Small problems can quickly worsen and lead to an unexpected breakdown, so finding and fixing these issues early can be highly beneficial for you as the car owner. Safety with Your Car When diagnostic tests find problems that the technicians then fix, it can help make your car more secure. Cars are safer when all the parts work as they should. They can also perform better when every component is doing its job the way it should. Need to Get a Diagnostic Test for Your Kia in Lanham, MD? Come to DARCARS Kia of Lanham to get a diagnostic test if your check engine light is on, or if you simply want to get it completed during your routine maintenance. Be sure to get your other routine maintenance services at our dealership, too.

Your Kia needs several forms of maintenance from your local Kia dealership. Some forms of maintenance need to be done every few years, while others need to be done every few months. A tire rotation is typically done multiple times a year, and it's vital that you never skip this essential form of maintenance. What Is a Tire Rotation? When you visit the dealership to have your tires rotated, the technicians will remove your tires and put them back in different positions on your car. This is to make sure the tread wears down evenly, as it never wears down evenly when all of your tires remain in the same position throughout their lifespan. For example, if you have a front-wheel-drive car, then the front tires experience more friction than the back ones when you're turning, braking, and accelerating. This can lead to uneven tread wear, making it essential to rotate your tires on time and often. more How Often Should You Get Your Tires Rotated At Your Local Kia Dealership? It is important to follow your car’s maintenance schedule. After your first rotation, how often you rotate the tires depends on what type of car you drive. Typically cars need to have their tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, though this can vary depending on what model you drive. Your owner's manual has more exact information relating to how often your Kia model needs a rotation. If you have an all-wheel-drive model, then you may need to have your tires rotated more frequently. What Are the Benefits of Getting Your Tires Rotated? When you don't have your tires rotated, some areas of the tread will likely wear down completely while other areas remain intact. This means your tires aren't safe to drive on. Driving with less tread than what is recommended is unsafe, so you'll need to replace your tires when any area of the tread gets too shallow. By spreading out the wear, it should help take longer for your tread to wear down. That means you have to replace regularly-rotated tires less frequently than never-rotated ones. Plus, when your tread is unevenly worn down, rides are bumpier, and your car is harder to handle. Rotating your tires regularly helps fix these problems. Schedule a Tire Rotation in Lanham, MD Today! You can get your tires rotated at your local dealership. Visit DARCARS Kia of Lanham in MD for this service today.

Remember how smooth and responsive your Kia was when you bought it from the local Kia dealership? You can maintain that impressive performance with regular maintenance. Read our ultimate service checklist that will help your Kia drive like new for many years. Change Engine Oil Motor oil lubricates and helps protect moving engine parts from friction, overheating, and premature wear. As oil circulates through the engine, it collects dirt and contaminants, making it less effective. Change your oil as stipulated in your owner's manual to help keep the engine running smoothly. When you get an oil change, you should also change the oil filter to avoid running fresh oil through an old filter. That way, the oil will provide enough lubrication and protection until the next scheduled service. more Service Your Braking System A reliable braking system is important for your safety and driving confidence. Service the brakes regularly and watch out for signs of trouble. Start by checking the brake fluid level in the reservoir under the hood. If the fluid is below the mark, refill it to help maintain optimal braking power. Keep an ear out for squealing or grinding noises when braking, as these are signs that it's time to replace the brake pads. Don't wait too long, or you might damage the brake rotors and end up with costly repairs. Rotate and Inflate the Tires Tires require proper care because they are the only parts of your vehicle that make contact with the road. They control handling, steering, and braking, which affects your drive and safety. Rotate the tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to help even out tread wear and improve performance. New Kia models have a tire pressure monitoring system that alerts you when the pressure is low. If you get a tire pressure warning light, inflate the tires properly. You can check the recommended tire pressure in your owner's manual or on the tire sticker inside the driver's door. Monitor Essential Fluids Your Kia fluids help keep all the vehicle systems running smoothly. Monitor the coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid and top them up if they’re low. We recommend having your fluids checked at the dealership instead of doing it at home. Our technicians will perform a quick systems check to look for minor problems that could worsen if they’re ignored. Inspect the Battery When a car that won't start, it can generally be due to a drained battery. Regular battery checks can help save you from having to jump-start your Kia frequently. Test the battery regularly and check the terminals for corrosion. If there is corrosion, our technicians can give the terminals a quick scrub to help prolong the battery's life. Schedule Kia Maintenance in Lanham, MD at Our Service Center Are you overdue for routine maintenance for your new Kia? Contact DARCARS Kia of Lanham to schedule a comprehensive service.

After working hard during the summer it’s a good idea to get your AC maintenance done. AC components wear out naturally, and this can result in your AC underperforming or not working at all. If you have an AC not working, your Kia dealer can repair it for you. These are some signs you need to visit us for an AC repair. Is My AC System Not Working? Low Airflow The settings you choose for the AC system control the speed of air flowing into the cabin. When you choose a setting, a resistor block sets the speed for the blower motor, which controls the fan speed. A failed resistor block can prevent airflow from increasing as it may be jammed at its previous setting. The movement of air can also be restricted by a clogged air intake or blocked air ducts. more The air intake is located just below your windshield, and all the air cooled by the AC enters through this vent. Its location means it can become clogged by dirt, leaves, or other debris, reducing the amount of air that reaches the AC. Dirt and leaf particles that have already entered the system can accumulate and block the ducts, restricting the amount of air that flows into your cabin. We'll investigate and fix the problem. Damp Passenger Carpet A damp front passenger carpet can mean the AC drainpipe is blocked. Air contains moisture, which is absorbed by the liquid refrigerant so the cooling process can start. The water enters the evaporator heater box and then drains out of your vehicle through a drain line. This pipe, incidentally, is the source of the water you'll often see underneath your car. Bacteria or dirt can clog the drainpipe, causing water to accumulate in the heater box then overflow. The heater box is positioned behind the dashboard on the front passenger side, meaning overflowing water will land on the carpet. Our technicians will clear the blockage or replace the drain line, then clean the carpet with an antibacterial solution. Broken Fans The blower motor is responsible for ensuring cold air flows into your cabin at the desired speed. It controls the fans that blow the cold air. The fans are delicate and can fail due to age or get damaged by hard objects thrown up from the surface when you’re driving. Damaged fans can easily prevent cold air from reaching your cabin. Book an Air Conditioning Service at Our Lanham, MD Kia Service Center These are just a few of the AC issues we can fix. If you have an AC problem, contact us today at DARCARS Kia of Lanham.

When have you brought your Kia in last for an alignment? How can you tell that your vehicle needs to get a wheel alignment service? Here are the symptoms of a bad alignment, other problems it can cause, and how we can take care of it at your local Kia dealership. Wheel Alignment Affects Performance Have you ever noticed that the tires on one side of the vehicle sometimes wear out faster than the others? This is a common sign that your suspension is out of alignment. When you have a bad alignment, the tires affected experience more wear and tear than the ideal even treading between all four tires. It could be why you might also be using more gas than usual. more Other Symptoms of a Bad Alignment Although the wear and tear on your tires is the most common symptom of misalignment, there are many other tell-tale signs to look for. These include: Vehicle pulling to one side Crooked steering wheel Steering wheel vibrations Loose or unresponsive steering Squealing tires If you notice any of those symptoms, bringing your vehicle in with us is crucial so the situation can be straightened out. This can potentially add many miles of life and could help save you money in future repair costs. What Causes My Wheels To Get Misaligned? Any time you hit a pothole or curb, your vehicle can get out of alignment. The louder the sound you hear after encountering one of those, the more likely the misalignment is. That's why it is always essential to talk with a Kia technician and check your alignment regularly. This simple step can help prevent many issues and help keep your vehicle performing at its best. When Our Kia Dealership in Lanham, MD Should Check There are many schools of thought on when to bring your vehicle in for a checkup based on mileage or time. However, it's a good rule of thumb to bring it in at least once a year to check the alignment. But again, if you notice any of the above symptoms of your alignment, it's essential to bring it in as soon as possible. Making sure that your vehicle is in good shape should help it stay on the road longer. A quality alignment check from us can help with that. It may not seem essential to check occasionally, but it could be the difference between a smooth and rough ride. So, come into DARCARS Kia of Lanham and schedule an alignment with us today, and we'll get you back on the road in no time.

Your Kia car’s transmission consists of a whole range of parts that move the power from the engine to the wheels. To improve your car's gas mileage and to save money on costly repairs down the road, ask your technician at your Kia dealer to perform a transmission service and reap the benefit of optimal vehicle performance. 1. Increases Fuel Economy When your car's transmission is in good working order, you will save money at the gas pump. Follow your car's service schedule and factory-recommended maintenance intervals and ask your Kia technician to perform regular transmission inspections and transmission fluid replacements. A well-maintained transmission will reduce the strain on components and ensure that your engine runs optimally. An engine that runs smoothly will use less oil, and you will save money on gas. more 2. Minimizes Friction, Heat, and Wear The transmission fluid ensures that the moving components are well lubricated to minimize friction that causes heat and ultimately wears down the parts. Over time transmission fluid becomes contaminated. The fluid loses its protective qualities and doesn't effectively cool and lubricate the parts, affecting vehicle performance. Replacing the transmission fluid at the recommended maintenance intervals will reduce friction, ensuring that all the components run smoothly and minimize wear. 3. Improves Gear Function Old and contaminated transmission fluid that overheats will eventually become thick and sludgy. The sludgy transmission fluid will clog the gears and prevent the components from moving smoothly. It will become hard to shift gears, and you might even hear horrible noises from the damage being caused. That is why regular transmission inspections and transmission fluid replacements are so important. Replacing the transmission fluid will ensure that the parts are well lubricated to reduce friction and wear. 4. Optimizes Vehicle Performance When you take your Kia for an oil change every 7,500 miles or six months, the Kia technician will inspect every transmission component, check the transmission fluid, and top it off if necessary. The technician will check the mountings and the seals' conditions and look for leaks. The transmission inspections and transmission fluid replacement intervals are in your owner's manual, or you can speak to your Kia technician for assistance. You will be surprised what a thorough maintenance service and transmission inspection does for your Kia. Your car will perform optimally, the engine will run smoothly, and you will enjoy every minute behind the wheel. 5. Saves You Money on Repair Costs A transmission consists of a range of moving components, and when a part malfunctions or fails, it could cost you a bundle to repair or even replace. With regular transmission inspections, minor problems will be detected early on and repaired before more damage occurs, leading to expensive repairs. When your Kia technician services your transmission regularly at the recommended intervals, it will prevent unexpected repairs in the future, saving you lots of cash in the long run. Set Up a Transmission Service Appointment Online Today Interested in saving money on gas, reducing wear, and avoiding costly repairs? Ask your Kia technician to service your car's transmission. Contact DARCARS Lanham Kia today for a transmission inspection and ensure that your Kia runs smoothly. Schedule transmission service here!

The performance of your Kia is highly influenced by its parts, and regular usage leads to wear and tear. This calls for the replacement of the affected parts. While there are genuine parts, some are counterfeit. Here are five tips for making sure you get genuine Kia parts. 1. Know the Exact Part Car parts vary depending on their make, model, and year of manufacture, among other things. To ensure you have the correct part, check your vehicle identification number, and indicate the part code. Getting the correct spare parts allows your Kia to perform as designed. more 2. Buy from Local Authorized Dealers Authorized dealers stock genuine parts, making it easy for you to access them. The dealers are affiliated with Kia, so you can trust them. After buying genuine parts, you can install them on your own. Or you can take it to the dealership where you can benefit from Kia factory workmanship. These dealers also stock all Kia car parts, so you get all you need under one roof. Ordering locally allows you to enjoy the convenience of getting roadside assistance in case of emergency. You can get your parts delivered to you and serviced by Kia-trained technicians. You also have the option of visiting the service center for a comprehensive check and service for your Kia. 3. Check the Branding of the Parts Since it can be hard to differentiate between genuine and aftermarket parts if you are not ordering from your dealership, make sure you check for inconsistencies in the branding of the parts. Genuine parts are marked with the brand's logo and made specifically for your Kia. The pricing of the parts can also guide you in knowing if it's a genuine part or not. If the part is too cheap, then you should start having doubts. Go for reasonably priced genuine parts, which are always available at your dealer. 4. Get Your Warranty Genuine parts come with up to 12 months warranty from the date of installation or 12,000 miles. This gives you an assurance that you have ordered quality parts, and, in case of any fault, they will be replaced by the dealer. You also save on cost in case the parts have issues within the warranty period. 5. Ensure Safety and Quality Tests Are Done Aftermarket parts are a gamble. Genuine parts are tested for quality, safety, fit, and functionality for your Kia. This allows you to protect your Kia from malfunctions that can cost you a lot in repairs. You also benefit from a comprehensive inspection when you come into your dealer for service. Order Kia Parts and Get Your Kia Serviced Today Your Kia is an investment: protect it to ensure proper functionality and longevity. Call DARCARS Lanham Kia to order genuine parts for your Kia. You will also benefit from services from factory-trained technicians to ensure the excellent performance of your vehicle. Schedule with us today!

An important service that a Kia owner can do to keep their vehicle running at peak performance is to come in for regular oil changes. How often a Kia oil change is needed can depend on a variety of factors, such as what kind of road and weather conditions you're driving in and how much your car gets used in an average month. So, When Should You Get an Oil Change? It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your car’s oil change. If you're wondering whether or not your vehicle is overdue for an oil change, then there's a good chance it is. As a general rule of thumb, your oil should be changed about every six months or 5,000 to 7,500 miles. It used to be advised to schedule an oil change every 3,000 miles, but cars being made now are much more efficient than they used to be, so unless you are routinely driving in extreme weather or off-roading conditions then a six-month check-in should suffice. more While some new energy-efficient engines advertise an interval of up to 10,000 miles between oil changes, it is best to ask a certified technician what is best for your car. Spacing out your oil changes too far apart can result in unnecessary wear and tear on your engine, and can significantly shorten the lifespan of your vehicle. What About My Kia's Oil Filter? Your car’s oil filter should be replaced every time your oil gets changed. While you might have heard that an oil filter can be replaced with every other oil change, this can make the filter much less effective at doing its job, which is filtering out contaminants that cause wear on your engine. For the sake of a very inexpensive part, making do with an old filter is simply not worth it. Did You Know? Extending the life of your engine is not the only reason to get regular oil changes. Another less obvious incentive is that the cleaner your oil is, the fewer stops you have to make at the gas station! That's right; regular oil changes can save you money. This is because dirty oil forces your engine to work a lot harder than it needs to, which in turn causes your Kia to burn more fuel. Why Every Kia Oil Change Should be Done by an Expert Oil and filter changes should always be done by a trained Kia technician, like at the DARCARS Lanham Kia Service Center. Our service experts know exactly what your Kia needs! Our technicians will pick the correct oil and filter for your particular model, and while they're under the hood they will also keep an eye out for any issues that could potentially affect your vehicle. Schedule Oil Changes and Other Services Online! Having routine inspections done can catch small problems before they become big ones, and significantly extend the lifespan of your Kia. Our Kia dealership will be glad to set up an appointment for your next oil change, or any other service your Kia may require. For more information, contact DARCARS Lanham Kia today!

If your car is in need of some aid, it's always best to have a professional service technician take care of it. But sometimes life surprises us and we need to provide some first aid to our vehicle before we can get it to a professional. That's why we've made a list of the essential items you should include in your car first aid kit. 1. Reflective Cones and Triangles First things first: if your car breaks down on the side of the road, you want to be able to get out and look at your vehicle safely. Whether it happens at night or in the light of day, it's always best to set up some cones around your vehicle and secure the perimeter. Reflective cones are relatively inexpensive to buy, and most people don't think of them when they're planning on items for car trouble, but it's always best to be safe if your car breaks down in unexpected places. more 2. Reflective Vest This goes hand-in-hand with the item above. You don't just want cones to keep your vehicle safe from oncoming traffic. If you're outside the vehicle and performing some first aid on your car, you also want other drivers to be able to see you. That's why you want a bright yellow or orange reflective vest to let other drivers see you no matter what time it is. 3. Spare Tire and Tools One of the simplest and most common reasons you may need to perform first aid on your vehicle is to change a tire. Flat tires are unexpected, but we can always plan ahead by keeping a spare tire and the proper tools in our vehicle. Make sure that you have a wheel wrench and tripod jack so you can change your tire in case of an emergency. 4. Jumper Cables The second most common reason you may need to perform some first aid on your vehicle is if the car battery stops working. Always have a set of jumper cables in your vehicle because you don't know when you might need them. A dead battery is a simple and easy thing to fix as long as you've got the essential items needed to handle it. 5. Cell Phone Charger In case your car troubles are a little more serious and you can't perform any momentary fixes like the ones outlined above, it's always best to have your phone fully charged so you can call for help. That's why you should always have a cell phone charger ready inside your car, so you never lose the ability to call for help in the case of an emergency. Remember Your Lanham, MD Car Maintenance, too! You never know what the road may bring you, so it's always best to think ahead and be ready. That's why everyone should have a kit of essential items in their car in case of emergency, as well as have your car regularly maintained. Come to DARCARS Lanham Kia for all your vehicle maintenance needs! Click here to schedule an appointment.